Tool for housing items therein that can be switched between a closed configuration providing organization and consolidation and an open configuration providing access

ABSTRACT

A tool for holding and organizing items including makeup, cosmetics, and applicators therefor. The tool includes first and second frame member separated by first and second axis. Compartments are configured to receive the items and are mounted to and configured to rotate with respect to first and second axis. The compartments are configured to move between a closed position where the item is substantially parallel to first and second frame members and an open position where item extends away from first and second frame members. A lid pivotally connected to tool and configured to pivot between a closed configuration where the lid extends across first and second frame members to an open configuration where lid extends substantially upward from tool. A bottom mounted to a bottom of first and second frame member to cover a bottom of tool. Lid and/or bottom configured to secure an item to inner side thereof.

PRIORITY

This application claims the priority under 35 USC § 119 of ProvisionalApplication 62/571,856 filed on Oct. 13, 2017, entitled “Folding Toolfor Holding Makeup, Cosmetics, and Applicators Therefor” and havingAshley Piszek as inventor. Application 62/571,856 is herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Makeup and cosmetic items and accessories differ vastly in size andshape, making them difficult to travel with and store. Moreover, mostusers desire versatility in being prepared with different types ofmakeup, cosmetics, applicators, and associated complementary products.As such, a true makeup and cosmetics kit is not easy to transportwithout sacrificing a large amount of space in a personal bag or purse,or having to carry a separate case to fit everything.

In addition, makeup and cosmetics products and accessories are difficultto organize in bags, purses, or carrying cases. Most bags and purseswill not have the sufficient capacity or adequate compartments tocohesively organize makeup items, and are not likely to be able to fitall of the items a user may wish to carry without sacrificingorganization completely. On the other hand, most carrying casesconstitute formless pouches or contain standardized compartments that donot provide a specific place for each item, nor facilitate the locatingof any particular item by a user speedily. Accordingly, makeup andcosmetics essentials become scattered in uniform-less containers, makingsuch items difficult and slow to access and use, especially on the go.

What is needed is a makeup and cosmetics storage, organization, andtransport solution that avoids the burdens of carrying separate makeupand cosmetics cases, and facilitates ease and speed of access to desireditems, as well as allows for versatility and portability in a makeup andcosmetics kit for travel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-D illustrate perspective views of an example tool for holdingmakeup, cosmetics, and/or applicators therefor, according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a perspective top view and a top view of theexample tool in a closed configuration, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a perspective bottom view and a bottom view of theexample tool without a bottom, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of the example tool with a bottom,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an inside of an example bottom of theexample tool, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate back views of the example tool with and without abottom, according to different embodiments;

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate side views of the example tool with and without abottom, according to different embodiments; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the example tool, according toone embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A tool for holding makeup, cosmetics, and applicators therefor isdepicted and described herein. The tool is capable of holding aplurality of items in either a closed or an open configuration. When ina closed configuration, the items housed therein may be located in closeproximity to one another (e.g., side by side) so the tool has a compactform. When a user desires to access one or more items, the tool mayenable one or more items to moved away from the other items (e.g.,rotated outward) so they may be accessed by the user. The tool mayinclude a plurality of compartments for housing the items. Thecompartments may be located on one or more pivot points to enable thecompartments to be moved between a closed and an open configuration.

FIGS. 1A-D illustrate perspective views of an example tool 100 forholding makeup, cosmetics, and/or applicators therefor. The tool 100 mayinclude frame members 110, 120 running along a first and second sidethereof (e.g., front and back). The frame members 110, 120 may beconnected to each other, a defined distance apart from each other, ateach side thereof by a first and second axis 130, 140 (e.g., left andright). Each axis 130, 140 may include one or more rotatablecompartments (2 illustrated on each axis) 150, 160, 170, 180 connectedthereto. The tool 100 may be configured to be opened and closed byrotating the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 around an associated one ofthe axes 130, 140. The tool 100 may be closed when the compartments 150,160, 170, 180 are in the same plane (e.g., parallel to) as the framemembers 110, 120 (see FIG. 1A). The tool 100 may be opened when one ormore of the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 are not in the same plane(e.g., are not parallel to, extend up from, are perpendicular to) as theframe members 110, 120. FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment in which thecompartments 150, 160 are rotated upward to be substantiallyperpendicular to the right axis 130 so as to be in an openconfiguration. FIGS. 1C-D illustrate an embodiment in which all of thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 are in an open configuration (e.g.,greater than 90 degrees to appropriate axis 130, 140).

The frame members 110, 120 may be made out of various materialsincluding, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood and composites. Thedimensions (e.g., length, width, height) of the frame members 110, 120may vary depending on the number and type of items to be stored withinthe tool 100. As illustrated, the frame members 110, 120 have a curvedprofile on the ends and a flat profile in the center. The flat profilein the center may be for holding the tool 100. The frame members 110,120 are in no manner intended to be limited to the illustrated profile.Rather, the frame members 110, 120 may have any number of profileswithout departing from the current scope.

As illustrated, the frame members 110, 120 may be substantially straightand may run parallel to each other but are not intended to be limitedthereto. The frame members 110, 120 may be shaped (e.g., curved) and/orthe frame members 110, 120 may be angled with respect to one another(e.g., one side of frame members 110, 120 being closer than other)without departing from the current scope. As would be obvious to one ofskill in the art, if the frame members 110, 120 were angled with respectto one another, the length of the axis 130 would be different than thelength of the axis 140.

According to one embodiment, the first and the second axis 130, 140 maybe a screw, rod, bolt or any other kind of cylindrical member thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be mounted to and may rotate around.The compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may have holes (not illustrated inFIGS. 1A-D) formed therein that the axis 130, 140 traverse therethroughand enable rotating therearound. The frame members 110, 120 may alsohave holes (not separately identified in FIGS. 1A-D) formed therein andthe axis 130, 140 may traverse therethrough. The axis 130, 140 may besecured therein using, for example, a nut, pin or the like (notseparately identified in FIGS. 1A-D).

The axes 130, 140 may be made of metal or any other material that isconfigured to hold its form and dimensions. The dimensions (e.g.,length, width) of the axes 130, 140 may vary depending on the number andtype of items to be stored in the tool 100. As illustrated, the axes130, 140 may be straight pieces and run parallel to each other. However,the axes 130, 140 may be shaped (e.g., curved) and/or the axes 130, 140may be angled with respect to one another (e.g., one side of axes 130,140 being closer than other) without departing from the current scope.As would be obvious to one of skill in the art, if the axes 130, 140were angled with respect to one another, the length of the frame member110 would be different than the length of the frame member 120.

The compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be configured with a hole (notillustrated in FIGS. 1A-D) in a base (not separately identified in FIGS.1A-D) thereof so as to be able to be secured on the axis 130, 140 and torotate therearound. The compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may beconfigured to rotate around the appropriate axis 130, 140 independentlyor in tandem with one another. The compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 maybe configured to rotate around the appropriate axis 130, 140 in eitherdirection or in a single direction (e.g., upward or downward). Thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be configured so they are capable ofrotating 360 degrees around the appropriate axis 130, 140 or may beconfigured so they are capable of rotating less than that (e.g., 90degrees, 180 degrees). Each of the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 maybe configured to have the same maximum rotation, each of thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be configured to have the samemaximum rotation for the appropriate axis 130, 140 which may bedifferent than the other axis 130, 140 or the maximum rotation of eachof the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be different.

The compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may have an outward facing opening(not separately identified in FIGS. 1A-D) extending from the base thatenables items 155, 165, 175, 185 to be received therein. According toone embodiment, the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 are organized sothat the compartments 150, 160 on the axis 130 and the compartments 170,180 on the axis 140 do not align with one another. This embodimentenables items 155, 165, 175, 185 secured in the compartments 150, 160,170, 180 to extend substantially an entire length of the tool 100 (asillustrated items 155, 175, 185 extend substantially the entire lengthof the tool 100 while item 165 extends over half way).

As illustrated, the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 are organized sothat they alternate between the compartments 150, 160 on the axis 130and the compartments 170, 180 on the axis 140 (the compartment 170 isbetween the compartments 150, 160 and the compartment 160 is between thecompartments 170, 180). As such, the compartments 150, 160 on the axis130 do not abut one another and the compartments 170, 180 on the axis140 do not abut one another. The axis 130, 140 may include spacers toadequately define the spacing between, and the location of, thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180. As illustrated, a spacer 156 is locatedbetween the compartments 150, 160, a spacer 166 is located between thecompartment 160 and the frame member 120, a spacer 176 is locatedbetween the compartment 170 and the frame member 110 and a spacer 186 islocated between the compartments 170, 180.

The spacers 156, 166, 176, 186 may simply be a base having a hole formedtherein that enables the axis 130, 140 to traverse therethrough.According to one embodiment, the spacers 156, 166, 176, 186 may be partof appropriate compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 where the base is longerthan the outward facing opening that extends therefrom to receive theitems 155, 165, 175, 185. The location, size, number and configurationof the spacers 156, 166, 176, 186 is not limited to the illustratedembodiment. Rather the location, size, configuration and number of thespacers 156, 166, 176, 186 may depend on the configuration of the tool100 and accordingly may vary without departing from the current scope.

The tool 100 is not limited to the illustrated configuration forproviding non-aligned compartments. For example, the compartments in thefront of the tool could face one direction and the compartments in theback of the tool could face the other direction without departing fromthe current scope. Furthermore, the tool 100 is not limited to anembodiment in which the compartments on the axis 130 do not align withthe compartments on the axis 140. The tool 100 could include at leastsome compartments that are aligned with one another and therefore couldonly hold shorter items without departing from the current scope.

As illustrated, each of the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 are circularand each is holding an item 155, 165, 175, 185 having a circular base.However, the tool 100 is not limited to circular compartments and is notlimited to receiving items 155, 165, 175, 185 having circular bases.Rather, one or more of the compartments could be different shapeswithout departing from the current scope. The shape of the compartmentsmay be based on the types of items that it is configured to hold.Alternatively, the items may be designed to fit within the compartments.Each of the compartments may have the same dimensions and size or thecompartments may vary in dimensions and/or size, both absolute andrelative to one another. The sizes of the compartments may be based onthe types of items that it is configured to hold. Alternatively, theitems may be designed to fit within the compartments.

The compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be configured as to be able toexpand to receive the items 155, 165, 175, 185 and then retract so as tohold the items 155, 165, 175, 185 therein. As illustrated, theexpansion/retraction of the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may beaccomplished by having slits 152, 162, 172, 182 formed along the sidesof the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180. While not easily visible theslits 152, 162, 172, 182 may be located on opposite sides of thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 (e.g., front and back). The slits 152,162, 172, 182 may enable the sides of the compartments 150, 160, 170,180 to expand (e.g., move away from one another) when an item isinserted therein and then hold the item therein. When the item is pulledout the slits 152, 162, 172, 182 may also enable the sides to expand.The slits 152, 162, 172, 182 are not limited in number, location and/orconfiguration to those illustrated. Rather, the number, location andconfiguration of the slits 152, 162, 172, 182 could vary withoutdeparting from the current scope. The compartments 150, 160, 170, 180may be formed with the slits 152, 162, 172, 182. Alternatively, thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be formed and then the slits 152,162, 172, 182 may be formed therein.

The manner in which the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 are configuredto expand/contract is not limited to the illustrated configuration.Rather, the compartments may be configured in various different mannersthat enable for expansion/contraction. For example, the compartments maybe made of flexible material, may have shaped/tapered sides, or thecompartments may be made of multiple pieces adjustably connected to oneanother.

According to one embodiment, the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 mayhave some means for securing items therein in place of, or in additionto, the ability to expand/contract. For example, the compartments mayinclude magnets, Velcro®, tape, sticky material or other adhesive meansfor assisting in securing the items (e.g., makeup, cosmetics,applicators) therein. The items may include a magnet, Velcro®, tape,sticky material or other adhesive means in addition to or in place ofthe securing means in the compartments.

The compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be made out of various materialsincluding, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood and composites. Theexact size, location, number and configuration of the compartments 150,160, 170, 180 may vary without departing from the current scope.

According to one embodiment, the tool 100 may include a lid 190. The lid190 may be pivotally connected to an upper edge one of the frame members110, 120 (illustrated as being pivotally connected to frame member 120).The lid 190 may be capable of pivoting between an open configuration(illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D) where the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180and the items 155, 165, 175, 185 secured therein are accessible and aclosed configuration (illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B) where the lid 190covers the tool 100 (extends from the frame member 120 to the framemember 110) and the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 are not accessiblefrom the top of the tool 100. The lid 190 may be capable of pivoting soas to be substantially perpendicular to the frame member 120 andpossibly pivot further than that point. The configuration of the lid 190may provide a maximum pivot point. The type of pivot point and the rangeof pivoting is in no way intended to be limited to any specificembodiment.

According to one embodiment, the lid 190 may be configured to receive amirror 195 on an inner side thereof. The mirror 195 would enable a userto look at themselves when the lid 190 was in an open configuration. Theuser could use the mirror 195 to help them apply the items 155, 165,175, 185 secured in the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 and/or otheritems that they may have. The mirror 195 may be secured to the innerside with, for example, Velcro®, tape, sticky material, or otheradhesive means. According to one embodiment, the lid 190 may includeclips, tabs or the like to secure the mirror 195 in addition to, or inplace of, an adhesive means such as those noted.

The lid 190 may be made out of various materials including, but notlimited to, plastic, metal, wood and composites. The dimensions (e.g.,length, width, height) of the lid 190 may vary depending on size of thetool 100. As illustrated, the lid 190 has a rectangular shape but is inno way intended to be limited thereto.

According to one embodiment, the tool 100 may include a bottom 200. Thebottom 200 may be connected to a lower edge of the frame members 110,120. The bottom 200 may be configured to seal the bottom of the tool 100so that the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 and the items 155, 165, 175,185 secured therein are not accessible from below. The bottom 200 mayalso prevent other things from inadvertently getting caught in the tool100. The bottom 200 may be substantially permanently connected to thelower edge of the frame members 110, 120 using, for example, screws,rivets, glue, adhesive, welding or the like. Alternatively, the bottom200 may be removably connected to the frame members 110, 120 using forexample, connectors, clips, sockets or the like. According to oneembodiment, the bottom 200 may be pivotally connected to one of theframe members 110, 120 in a similar fashion to the lid 190.

According to one embodiment, the bottom 200 may be configured so that aninner surface thereof may receive one or more items (not illustrated inFIGS. 1A-D). These items would be secured inside the tool 100 when thelid 190 was closed and would be accessible to a user when the lid 190was open (and likely at least one of the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180would also need to be rotated to an open/upward position). For example,the bottom 200 may be configured to have an eye shadow pallet securedthereto. The item(s) may be secured to the inner side with, for example,Velcro®, tape, sticky material, or other adhesive means. According toone embodiment, the bottom 200 may include clips, tabs or the like tosecure the item(s) in addition to, or in place of, an adhesive meanssuch as those noted.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a perspective top view and a top view of theexample tool 100 for holding makeup, cosmetics, and/or applicatorstherefor in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a usercannot access the compartments located therewithin or the items storedtherein. The lid 190 may be pivotally connected to the frame member 120.As illustrated, the frame member 120 may include connectors 192 formedon each end thereof and the lid 190 may have a back portion 194 thatextends past the rest of the lid 190 and is capable of being receivedwithin the connectors 192. The type of pivot point is in no way intendedto be limited to any specific embodiment. The lid 190 may substantiallycover the top of the tool 100 from frame member 110 to frame member 120and from axis 130 to axis 140. As illustrated, the lid 190 may have sometype of branding (e.g., Miss Swiss) provided on an upper surfacethereof. The branding may be provided in various manners, includedetched therein, painted thereon, secured thereto and/or mounted thereto.The lid 190 is in no way intended to require branding.

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a perspective bottom view and a bottom view of theexample tool 100 without a bottom 200. The openings 154, 164, 174, 184that are outward facing from the base of the compartments 150, 160, 170,180 and the spacers 156, 166, 176, 186 located between the compartments150, 160, 170, 180 are visible and identified in these views. Asillustrated best in FIG. 3B, the compartments 150, 160 alternate withthe compartments 170, 180 such that the opening 154 substantially alignswith the spacer 176, the opening 174 substantially aligns with thespacer 156, the opening 164 substantially aligns with the spacer 186 andthe opening 184 substantially aligns with the spacer 166. According toone embodiment, the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 include the openings154, 164, 174, 184 extending outward from the base and the spacers 156,166, 176, 186 extending to the side of the base.

FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of the example tool 100 with a bottom200. As noted above the bottom 200 may be substantially permanentlyconnected to the lower edge of the frame members 110, 120 or may beremovably connected to the frame members 110, 120. As illustrated, thebottom 200 may substantially cover the bottom of the tool 100 from framemember 110 to frame member 120 and from axis 130 to axis 140. The mannerin which the bottom 200 is secured to the tool 100 is in no way intendedto be limited to any specific embodiment. When the bottom 200 is securedto the tool 100, a user may not access the compartments 150, 160, 170,180 or the items 155, 165, 175, 185 secured therein from the bottom ofthe tool 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an inside of an example bottom 200 ofthe example tool 100. The bottom 200 may include a center portion 210capable of receiving an item. The center portion 210 may be indented sothat the item may fit therewithin and the indent may assist in securingthe item thereto. The item to be received may be, for example, an eyeshadow pallet. The item may be secured within the center portion 210using a securing means, such as, Velcro®, tape, glue or the like. Thebottom 200 may also include one or more connector means 220 to securethe bottom 200 to the frame members 110, 120. The connector means 220may be, for example, connectors, clips, sockets or the like that enablethe bottom 200 to be secured to the frame members 110, 120. Theconnection means 220 is illustrated as four separate components beinglocated in each corner but is in no way intended to be limited thereto.Rather, any number, location and configuration of connection means 220could be utilized without departing from the current scope. For example,a connection means could extend along substantially an entire upper edgeand substantially an entire lower edge so that the bottom was secured tothe frame members 110, 120 substantially along both edges.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate back views of the example tool 100 with (5A) andwithout (5B) a bottom 200. The lid 190 may be capable of pivoting openand the pivoting may be provided by the frame member 120 includingconnectors 192 formed on an upper edge thereof (left as illustrated) ateach end thereof and the lid 190 having a back portion 194 that extendspast the rest of the lid 190 and is capable of being received within theconnectors 192. The type of pivot point is in no way intended to belimited to the illustrated embodiment of any specific embodiment. Thebottom 200 may be secured to lower edge (right as illustrated) of theframe members (only 120 visible). The manner in which the bottom 200 issecured is in no way intended to be limited to the illustratedembodiment of any specific embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-B illustrate side views of the example tool 100 with (6B) andwithout (6A) a bottom 200. The lid 190 is pivotally connected to theframe member 120 via the connectors 192. FIG. 6A is a side view lookingat the axis 140 from external to the tool 100 so the base portion of thecompartments 170, 180 and the spacers 176, 186 are visible. As a bottomis not included it would be possible for the compartments 170, 180 torotate downward (to the right as illustrated) so that the items 175, 185contained therein could be accessed. If the compartments 170, 180 wererotated outward the portion extending from the base would be visible tothe right of the base of the compartments 170, 180 currently visible.

FIG. 6B is a side view looking at axis 130 from internal to the tool 100so the opening 154, 164 of the compartments 150, 160 and the spacers156, 166 are visible. As illustrated, the opening 164 is larger than theopening 154 but is in no way limited thereby. The bottom 200 may includeconnectors 220 that extend from the bottom 200 and are secured to alower edge of the frame members 110, 120. The use of the connectors 220engaging with the frame members 110, 120 may enable the bottom 200 to beremoved from the tool 100. The bottom 200 may include a center section220 for receiving items. The center section 220 may be indented or mayhave walls 230 formed therearound for assisting in securing itemstherein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the example tool 100. Theexploded view illustrates how the various components are put together.The axis 130 is a screw that is inserted from the front of the tool 100and traverses the frame member 110, the compartments 150, 160, and theframe member 120 and is secured therein with a not 132. The axis 140 isa screw that is inserted from the back of the tool 100 and traverses theframe member 120, the compartments 180, 170, and the frame member 110and is secured therein with a not 142. As illustrated, the compartments150, 160, 170, 180 include the openings 154, 164, 174, 184 and thespacers 156, 166, 176, 186.

To have the components mounted on the axis 130, 140 fit togethersmoothly tabs may be included on some pieces that fit in holes on othercomponents. As illustrated, the frame member 110 includes a tab 118formed on a backside thereof in alignment with a hole formed thereinthat the axis 130 traverses through and the frame member 120 includes atab 128 formed on a backside thereof in alignment with a hole formedtherein that the axis 140 traverses through. The tab 118 is configuredto be received in a hole (no separately identified) formed in thecompartment 150 and the tab 128 is configured to be received in a hole(no separately identified) formed in the compartment 180. Thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may includes tabs 158, 168, 178, 188formed at an end of the spacers 156, 166, 176, 186 that are to bereceived in holes (no separately identified) in appropriate compartments160, 170, 180 or frame members 110, 120. The alignment and configurationof the tabs 118, 128, 158, 168, 178, 188 is not limited to theillustrated embodiment. In fact, tabs and holes are not the only mannerof connecting various components. According to one embodiment, thecompartments and spacing therebetween on each axis 130, 140 may be asingle component.

The lid 190 may be pivotally connected to the frame member 120 byplacing the back portion 194 within the connectors 192. The bottom 200may be secured to a lower edge of the frame members 110, 120 with theconnectors 220.

The tool is not limited to the absolute or relative dimensions, scale,or types of constituent materials described herein or depicted in theaccompanying drawings. The dimensions, scale, materials, and otherdescriptive choices made in the description and the accompanyingdrawings are merely descriptive and do not serve to limit the apparatusto those choices. Furthermore, the tool is in no way intended to belimited to the specific embodiments described above. Rather, variousdifferent embodiments could fall within the intended scope of theinvention.

For example, according to one embodiment, one or more of thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 may be configured to include a tab (notillustrated) along, for example, a base thereof to provide an additionalsurface upon which pressure can be exerted to assist in rotating thecompartments 150, 160, 170, 180 around the axes 130, 140 (opening orclosing the tool 100). The tabs may have the same style andconfiguration for each of the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 or thestyle and/or configurations may be different.

According to one embodiment, one or more of the compartments 150, 160,170, 180 may be spring loaded with respect to the appropriate axis 130,140 to assist in rotating the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 (e.g.,opening and/or closing the tool 100).

The various embodiments illustrated in the figures included framemembers 110, 120 separating the axes 130, 140 and compartments 150, 160,170, 180 located on each axis 130, 140. However, the invention is in noway intended to be limited thereby. Rather, the invention could includeall the compartments 150, 160, 170, 180 on only a single axis 130, 140.According to one embodiment, the tool could include only a single axis.The single axis could be located on either side of the tool or could belocated in the center of the tool. The compartments could extend fromonly one side of the single axis or could extend from both sides.

Although the invention has been illustrated by reference to specificembodiments, it will be apparent that the invention is not limitedthereto as various changes and modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the scope. Reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed therein is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, theappearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment”appearing in various places throughout the specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The various embodiments are intended to be protected broadly within thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool for holding and organizing items includingmakeup, cosmetics, and applicators therefor, the tool comprising a firstand a second frame member; at least one axis located between andconnected to the first frame member and the second frame member; and aplurality of compartments mounted to and configured to rotate withrespect to the at least one axis, wherein the plurality of compartmentsare configured to receive the items, wherein the plurality ofcompartments are configured to move between a closed position and anopen position, wherein the closed position is when the item received inthe compartment is substantially parallel to the first frame member andthe second frame member so that the item is difficult to access, andwherein the open position is when the item received therein extends awayfrom the first frame member and the second frame member so that the itemis readily accessible.
 2. The tool of claim 1, wherein at least a subsetof the plurality of compartments are configured to expand to receive theitems.
 3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the at least a subset of theplurality of compartments include one or more slits formed therein toenable expansion.
 4. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a lidpivotally connected to the second frame member, wherein the lid isconfigured to pivot between a closed configuration where the lid extendsfrom the second frame member to the first frame member and an openconfiguration where the extends from the second frame member away fromthe first frame member.
 5. The tool of claim 4, wherein the plurality ofcompartments are not accessible from a top side of the tool when the lidis in the closed configuration.
 6. The tool of claim 4, wherein the lidis configured to receive a mirror on an inner surface thereof, whereinthe mirror can be utilized by a user of the tool when the lid is in theopen configuration.
 7. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a bottommounted to a bottom of the first frame member and the second framemember to cover a bottom of the tool.
 8. The tool of claim 7, whereinthe bottom is configured to receive an item on an inner surface thereof,wherein the item may be accessible to a user when at least some subsetof the plurality of compartments are in an open position.
 9. The tool ofclaim 1, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of compartmentsincludes a securing means within an internal cavity for securing theitems therein.
 10. A tool for holding and organizing items includingmakeup, cosmetics, and applicators therefor, the tool comprising a firstframe member; a second frame member; a first axis located between andconnected to a first side of the first frame member and the second framemember; a second axis located between and connected to a second side ofthe first frame member and the second frame member; a first plurality ofcompartments mounted to and configured to rotate with respect to thefirst axis; and a second plurality of compartments mounted to andconfigured to rotate with respect to the second axis, wherein the firstand the second plurality of compartments are configured to receive theitems, wherein the first and the second plurality of compartments areconfigured to move between a closed position and an open position,wherein the closed position is when the item received in the compartmentis substantially parallel to the first frame member and the second framemember so that the item is difficult to access, and wherein the openposition is when the item received therein extends away from the firstframe member and the second frame member so that the item is readilyaccessible.
 11. The tool of claim 10, wherein at least some subset ofthe first and the second plurality of compartments are configured toexpand to receive the items.
 12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the atleast some subset of the first and the second plurality of compartmentsinclude one or more slits formed therein to enable expansion.
 13. Thetool of claim 10, further comprising a lid pivotally connected to thesecond frame member, wherein the lid is configured to pivot between aclosed configuration where the lid extends from the second frame memberto the first frame member and an open configuration where the lidextends from the second frame member away from the first frame member.14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the plurality of compartments are notaccessible from a top side of the tool when the lid is in the closedconfiguration.
 15. The tool of claim 13, wherein the lid is configuredto receive a mirror on an inner surface thereof, wherein the mirror canbe utilized by a user of the tool when the lid is in the openconfiguration.
 16. The tool of claim 10, further comprising a bottommounted to a bottom of the first frame member and the second framemember to cover a bottom of the tool.
 17. The tool of claim 16, whereinthe bottom is configured to receive an item on an inner surface thereof,wherein the item may be accessible to a user when at least some subsetof the plurality of compartments are in an open position.
 18. The toolof claim 10, wherein at least a subset of the first plurality ofcompartments do not align with at least a subset of the second pluralityof compartments.
 19. A tool for holding and organizing items includingmakeup, cosmetics, and applicators therefor, the tool comprising a firstframe member; a second frame member; a first axis located between andconnected to a first side of the first frame member and the second framemember; a second axis located between and connected to a second side ofthe first frame member and the second frame member; a first plurality ofcompartments mounted to and configured to rotate with respect to thefirst axis from a closed position substantially facing the second axisto an open position extending substantially upward from the first axis,wherein the first plurality of compartments are configured to receivethe items; a second plurality of compartments mounted to and configuredto rotate with respect to the second axis from a closed positionsubstantially facing the first axis to an open position extendingsubstantially upward from the second axis, wherein the second pluralityof compartments are configured to receive the items; a lid pivotallyconnected to the second frame member, wherein the lid is configured topivot between a closed configuration where the lid extends from thesecond frame member to the first frame member and an open configurationwhere the lid extends substantially upward from the second frame member;and a bottom mounted to a bottom of the first frame member and thesecond frame member to cover a bottom of the tool.
 20. The tool of claim19, wherein the lid is configured to receive an item on an inner surfacethereof, wherein the item can be accessed by a user of the tool when thelid is in the open configuration; and the bottom is configured toreceive an item on an inner surface thereof, wherein the item can beaccessed by the user when at least some subset of the plurality ofcompartments are in an open position.